All Forum Posts by: Ariel Smith

I agree with @Andrew B.. Zillow has no idea about the condition of the home which is a huge determining factor of market pricing. How would Zillow know if you have redone your kitchen or other value-add features? I'd do a rent survey of the competition in regards to master bedrooms being rented as well as Studios and 1 bedroom units in your area. Just go on craigslist/zillow/zumper/etc. and make a spreadsheet of the rents, amenities and condition similar to yours. Best of luck!

@Account Closed not sure about the location but people on Airbnb LOVE unique properties and tiny homes are gaining more and more popularity! I think there is a potential for upside with this based on my airbnb experience.

@Charles Mullins I'm trying to understand your question so forgive me if I'm misinterpreting. It sounds like you are trying to lease a place for your daughter to live in while she attends college and then rent the other bedroom on Airbnb? You would need permission from the landlord in order to do this and most are not going to be ok with having an "unknown" tenant in the property especially if they don't know you very well as a tenant yet. 

If this is what you're trying to do then I'd make sure to run it by the landlord first or not risk it. If you're looking to buy, then make sure if it's a condominium that the HOA does not restrict short term rentals. Keep in mind that the HOA can always change its policies as well... so condos tend to be most risky.

@David Marsceau I've stayed as a guest at an Airbnb in Las Vegas that was a Wyndham rental. I'm not sure if the people at the front desk knew I was from Airbnb, but they didn't seem to care as the owner of the credits was allowed to leverage them as far as they were concerned. Airbnb definitely allows it in my experience.

@Vash P. I do. I'd say it is within a good margin of error but I would estimate low on the rental rates and occupancy. Airbnb has a forum for hosts so I'd post the question there and see what other hosts say. You mentioned having to create a listing first, but you can create your listing and leave it deactivated in order to access the forums I believe. 

@Steven C. Suarez I'm interested to hear how your conversation goes with Vacasa. 30% is an exorbitant amount for a management fee - even with vacation rentals. Take a look at the current agreement with the owner. Most agreements will allow you to a cancel for a fee and I'd try to negotiate the sellers pay that cancellation fee. 

I have experience firing a bad vacation rental property management company and the fee for cancellation was worth it because as soon as I started self managing we made up for the loss in a few days. Keep us posted! :)

@Jamie M. Never mind just realized you are in SF so subject to the 90 day maximum for non primary residence!

@Jamie M. Have you thought about Airbnb'ing out the main residence as well? If the guests stay fewer than 30 days they are not subject to tenant's rights (and rent control) and you can generate higher nightly prices for shorter term.

@Brian Gorby welcome from the Bay Area! I also live in SF (north beach) and work in Burlingame. There are many meetup groups for investors in our area! You should check them out!

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings

@Derrick Lloyd The section that says "let" is in reference to subletting if I'm interpreting this correctly (not legal advice.) It sounds like you are bound to the 30 day + rule.

Is your area close to public transportation or large companies? A corporate rental with a 30 day minimum could be a great option for you. I'm not sure the popularity of renting simply a room would be for this, but I do have experience renting entire units for corporate rentals and it is very lucrative. Even more so than vacation nightly rentals because you reduce vacancy and turnover.